Sacha wrote:

Besides, I've got a cracking near-hardy (hardy
for me) Begonia for you to try.

David, is that Begonia luxurians? If so, we have that one in the big double
- can't remember if you saw it last time.

No, I have Begonia luxurians, which I got from you a few years ago.
It is in a part-shaded border where it grows to around 2.5m. each year
if I remember to water and feed it. I prune it down to just over
1m.in spring and the best foliage is from the new canes which arise
from the base each year. It has proved winter hardy here and usually
flowers in December/early January.

The one I have in mind is 'Little Brother Montgomery' which is
reminiscent of a smallish leaved Begonia rex, but with short (50 -
90cms high) 'canes'. Leaf colour is chocolate-maroon with silver
centres, strongly purple tinged when young. Technically it is a
rhizomatous type, but it retains its 'canes' here. With a thick,
protective mulch, it should remain as a die-back perennial with you.

On 17/6/08 01:22, in article
, "Dave
Poole" wrote:

Sacha wrote:

Besides, I've got a cracking near-hardy (hardy
for me) Begonia for you to try.

David, is that Begonia luxurians? If so, we have that one in the big double
- can't remember if you saw it last time.

No, I have Begonia luxurians, which I got from you a few years ago.
It is in a part-shaded border where it grows to around 2.5m. each year
if I remember to water and feed it. I prune it down to just over
1m.in spring and the best foliage is from the new canes which arise
from the base each year. It has proved winter hardy here and usually
flowers in December/early January.

The one I have in mind is 'Little Brother Montgomery' which is
reminiscent of a smallish leaved Begonia rex, but with short (50 -
90cms high) 'canes'. Leaf colour is chocolate-maroon with silver
centres, strongly purple tinged when young. Technically it is a
rhizomatous type, but it retains its 'canes' here. With a thick,
protective mulch, it should remain as a die-back perennial with you.


That sounds lovely - we'll look forward to seeing you both!
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
(new website online but not completed - shop to come and some mild tweaking
to do!)